2012General Discussion forum
Mounting Tiffen 3A arms to PRO camera vests with incompatible socket blocks
14 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The female socket block hole diameter on PRO vests is slightly smaller than on Tiffen arms, which can cause jamming or fitting issues.
- Replacing the PRO vest's socket block with a Tiffen or Chrosziel socket block is the most reliable solution, requiring only unscrewing and rescewing six bolts.
- If replacing the socket block is not feasible, carefully polishing the arm's socket block with fine grit sandpaper and jeweler's rouge can achieve a proper fit, but this requires multiple test-fit cycles and carries risk of over-removal.
- Newer PRO vest models have had their socket blocks enlarged slightly, potentially eliminating the compatibility issue.
- Socket block screw positions should align between PRO and Tiffen vests, allowing direct replacement without drilling new holes.
Depends on
- Compatibility varies between individual vests and arms, possibly due to manufacturing tolerance variations.
- The polishing approach requires significant time and carries the risk of permanent damage if too much material is removed.
- The claim about newer PRO vests having enlarged socket blocks was not confirmed by other participants.
- Experience appears based on specific models from the early 2010s.